Volunteering with UKRIO

UKRIO is a small charity, staffed almost entirely by volunteers. The many successes of our organisation could not have been achieved without their generous and expert support. Some volunteers sit on our Board of Trustees or our Advisory Board, the bodies that oversee UKRIO’s strategy and work programme, while others become UKRIO Advisers.

UKRIO is recruiting for a new Chair of the charity

Closing Date: Thursday 14 March 2019

The UK Research Integrity Office is looking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the role of Chair, to take up post later in 2019, as Sir Bernard Silverman steps down after five years with the organisation.

The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) is an independent charity set up to support good practice in academic, scientific and medical research. Since 2006, UKRIO has provided independent and expert support across all disciplines, including higher education, the NHS, private sector organisations and charities – wherever the research affects the public good. UKRIO is the only body in the UK that offers dedicated support to the public and the research community on issues of research integrity. More than 90 universities and research organisations subscribe to UKRIO, including most of those within the Russell Group.

Potential candidates will demonstrate the experience, stature and governance ability needed to support the organisation through a significant period of growth and expansion. The appointed candidate will hold UKRIO to account in achieving its mission and vision, through an excellent governance approach. They will also act as an ambassador for the organisation, acting as the public face of UKRIO in partnership with the Chief Executive.

A comprehensive understanding of changes across the UK research landscape will be imperative. This person will act as a spokesperson for UKRIO across government and policy, higher education, and with a range of other stakeholders at the highest level. The appointed candidate will demonstrate the utmost levels of integrity and the ability to work with sensitive information. They will also ensure that UKRIO continues to operate within its charitable objectives, whilst assisting in setting a clear strategic direction.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to UKRIO on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference KAEAAA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 14 March.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

Joining UKRIO’s Register of Advisers

UKRIO is actively recruiting volunteers for our Register of Advisers. We are seeking professionals with experience in providing support and guidance to individuals or institutions on research integrity matters. This offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to UKRIO’s shaping of research integrity policy in the UK and to help people faced with challenges to good research practice.

We draw upon our Advisers when responding to questions and concerns about the conduct of research. These volunteers play a vital and varied role in supporting UKRIO’s Advisory Service, helping to ensure that we can offer expert guidance on the best ways to support good research practice and address poor practice and misconduct. Most of their work is conducted remotely and we ensure that Advisers are not overburdened by allocating enquiries carefully and proportionately. UKRIO recognises the invaluable contribution made by the people who volunteer to support it; Advisers are always free to decline assignments without losing the goodwill of the organisation.

Advisers give their time to UKRIO pro bono and are not employees of the organisation. We pay reasonable expenses incurred by Advisers in the course of supporting UKRIO. Appropriate insurances and indemnities have been obtained to cover volunteers, including Advisers, when acting on behalf of UKRIO.

Further information on the work of UKRIO’s Advisers, including their Code of Conduct and UKRIO’s procedures for responding to requests for assistance, can be found here:

If you would be interested in volunteering as an Adviser, please send a CV and a brief summary of your experience with issues of research integrity to info@ukrio.org. All enquiries will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Working for UKRIO

UKRIO employs a small team to carry out the charity’s programme of work. Any current vacancies can be viewed here.